tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata
“Then Sagar turned towards the white and jumping- like creatures.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgebhyaḥ ( monkeys) paryavartata (rode around)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the white monkeys |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the monkeys |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | went around, surrounded |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata, suggests Sagar's orientation towards the white and jumping creatures. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 20) highlights the idea that all actions, including Sagar's, are grounded in the ultimate reality, Brahman. The white creatures may symbolize purity, implying Sagar's movement towards an understanding of the self as untouched by worldly impurities, much like the Atman remains unchanged amidst the flux of worldly experiences. The jumping creatures could signify the restless nature of the unenlightened mind, towards which Sagar's gaze turns, representing the introspection necessary for realizing the identity of Brahman and Atman. Through this, the verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where distinctions between the self and the external world are transcended.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this context, Ramanuja's perspective on the relationship between the jiva (individual soul) and Ishvara (the Supreme Lord) is illuminating. The movement of Sagar towards white and jumping creatures can be seen as an allegory for the jiva's journey towards purification and devotion. The 'white' signifies the purity of devotion, and the 'jumping creatures' may represent the various modes of approaching the divine, emphasizing the dynamic and active nature of bhakti. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, highlights the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means of approaching the divine. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava context, underscores the idea that the jiva's efforts, like Sagar's, are ultimately directed towards union with the divine, facilitated by devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse invites a universal and practical interpretation, focusing on the themes of self-discovery and inner transformation. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of turning one's gaze inward, like Sagar does, towards the inner purity and the ceaseless movements of the mind. The 'white creatures' can symbolize the pristine nature of the human soul, untouched by external influences, while the 'jumping creatures' represent the dynamic and creative potential within each individual. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages individuals to embrace their inner journey, recognizing the constant flux and the quest for inner peace and understanding. It resonates with Vivekananda's call for self-realization and service to humanity, bridging the ancient wisdom with modern relevance and universal appeal.